Hope Wesleyan Church - Independence, Iowa

The gospel was never meant to stay where it was comfortable. In Acts 16, God redirects His servants, opens hearts, breaks chains, and transforms lives. A wealthy businesswoman finds faith. A demon-possessed girl is set free. Two beaten prisoners sing in the darkness, and a jailer discovers salvation before dawn. It's a story of pain, purpose, and redemption that reminds us of one powerful truth: G...

Saul was absolutely convinced he was right. Armed with certainty, passion, and religious conviction, he set out for Damascus determined to stop the followers of Jesus. He believed he was serving God. He believed he was defending the truth. He believed he knew exactly what he was doing. But he was wrong. In a blinding moment on the road to Damascus, everything changed. The man who thought he could...

The church was growing, the gospel was spreading, and lives were being changed. But as the church expanded, a conflict arose. Some people were being overlooked, and the unity of the church was at risk. What could have become a division became an opportunity for growth. Instead of ignoring the problem, the believers responded by serving. Faithful men stepped forward to care for those in need, allow...

The early church was marked by extraordinary unity, generosity, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers gave freely, not out of obligation, but from hearts fully surrendered to God. Then the story takes a startling turn. Ananias and Sapphira appeared generous on the outside, but their hearts told a different story. They wanted the recognition of sacrifice without the reality of surrender. In a...

On an ordinary day at the temple gate, a man who had never walked sat begging for help, expecting nothing more than a few coins. But God had something greater in mind. When Peter and John arrived, they offered no silver and no gold—only the power of Jesus Christ. In an instant, the man’s life was transformed. Weak legs were strengthened, hopelessness gave way to joy, and a forgotten beggar became...

The room was quiet—then heaven moved.  A sound like a rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested on ordinary people as the Spirit of God came in power. Fear gave way to boldness, and those who once hid now stood and proclaimed the mighty works of God.  The crowd was amazed, confused, and cut to the heart. As Peter preached, one question rose above the noise: “What must we...

The disciples stood on the edge of something world-changing, but before the mission could begin, Jesus gave them one command: wait. In Acts 1:4–11, the risen Christ calls His followers not to rush ahead in their own strength, but to remain in expectation for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The room was filled with anticipation. Heaven was about to move. The Spirit of God would soon come with power...

Two weary travelers walked the road to Emmaus with heavy hearts and shattered hopes. Discouragement clouded their steps. Disappointment filled their words. The One they trusted had been crucified, and all they thought they knew seemed buried with Him. But on that dusty road, Jesus drew near. He met them in their sorrow, walked with them in their confusion, and opened the Scriptures until the fire...

Today we welcome guest speaker Alex Kremer. Alex is a full-time Pastor and Bible teacher at Atlantic Gospel Chapel in Atlantic, Iowa.  His message focuses on the promises made by God in the Old Testament that we see come to fruition in the New Testament.  We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and ther...

All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him.  The risen Jesus gives a clear command: GO—make disciples, baptize, and teach. Carry the gospel to every nation, every neighbor, every corner of the world.  But this mission was never meant to be done alone.  We are called as one people—different lives, one purpose—moving forward together, strengthened by His authority and sustain...

Today, we explore the call to go—to tell, to share, and to live out the message of Jesus in everyday life. This is more than a moment; it’s a mission. A calling to be His hands and feet, to love boldly, serve faithfully, and point others to the hope we’ve found in Christ. Evangelism isn’t just for a few—it’s for all of us. Wherever you are, God is already at work, inviting you to join Him in reach...

Today we welcome missionaries to Sierra Leone, Geoff & Carrie Jo Cain. Carrie Jo is an emergency room RN from Minnesota, certified in newborn resuscitation, who grew up in Sierra Leone and speaks fluent Krio. She serves with World Hope International, leading child and maternal health programs including Helping Babies Breathe, CHAMPS, and care for Ebola survivors. During the 2013 Ebola crisis,...

The cross was real.  The tomb was sealed.  The silence was deafening. But death was not the final word. On the third day, the stone was rolled away — not to release a defeated body, but to reveal a living Savior. Jesus did not simply rise as a memory or an idea. He rose in power. He walked. He spoke. He showed His scars. He ate with His disciples. He stood alive in the very places fear o...

It began with a kiss in the garden.  Torches flickered. Swords clashed. Friends scattered.  Jesus was arrested under the cover of night, led from one trial to another — accused, mocked, struck, and condemned. False witnesses spoke. Crowds shouted. A governor washed his hands.  And the One who could have called down angels… stayed silent.  He carried His cross through jeering st...

Today we continue our series of sermons entitled "Easter People". This series delves into the encounters Jesus had with individuals on his journey to the cross. These people did not actively seek Jesus out; instead, He met them where they were. He swore he would never fall. When others hesitated, Peter spoke boldly: “Even if everyone else leaves You, I won’t.” Loyalty was his language. Courage was...

Today we continue our series of sermons entitled "Easter People". This series delves into the encounters Jesus had with individuals on his journey to the cross. These people did not actively seek Jesus out; instead, He met them where they were. He sat by the roadside, blind and forgotten. But when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, something inside him refused to stay silent. He cried out...

Today we continue our series of sermons entitled "Easter People". This series delves into the encounters Jesus had with individuals on his journey to the cross. These people did not actively seek Jesus out; instead, He met them where they were. She came to the well at noon — alone. An outcast in her own town. A woman with a past. Five husbands, a broken story, and a reputation that kept her walkin...

Today we continue our series of sermons entitled "Easter People". This series delves into the encounters Jesus had with individuals on his journey to the cross. These people did not actively seek Jesus out; instead, He met them where they were. A young man comes running to Jesus with a question that has echoed through the centuries: What must I do to inherit eternal life? He has done everything ri...

Today, we commence a new sermon series as we approach Easter Sunday. This series delves into the encounters Jesus had with individuals on his journey to the cross. These people did not actively seek Jesus out; instead, He met them where they were. A Pharisee. A ruler. A man with status, certainty, and answers — except for one question that wouldn’t leave him alone: Who is Jesus? In the darkness, N...

When the music played and the pressure rose, everyone bowed. Everyone — except three men who chose the fire over compromise. In   Daniel chapter 3, the furnace was heated seven times hotter. The threat was real. The flames were not symbolic. And their answer was steady: “Our God is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not bow.” They were thrown in bound. But when the king look...

Sometimes the answer is silence. Sometimes it’s delay. And sometimes… it’s no. A door closes. A prayer goes unanswered the way we hoped. The path we mapped out  disappears beneath our feet. But God’s “no” is not rejection.  It’s protection.  It’s redirection.  It’s a larger story unfolding beyond what we can see. We trust Him easily when He says yes.  We learn to trust Him...

Anger knocks hard. It pounds on the door of the heart, insisting on justice, demanding reaction. And in Ephesians 4:26–27, we’re told something both honest and urgent: “Be angry, and do not sin… do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Anger itself isn’t the enemy. But when we let it linger — when we nurse it, replay it, justify it — it becomes an open door....

The house was full. The preparations urgent. The responsibilities real. In Luke 10:38–42, one sister hurried through the kitchen, distracted and overwhelmed. The other sat still at the feet of Jesus. Both were serving in their own way.  But only one chose what mattered most. Martha was busy for Jesus. Mary was present with Him. And in a world that praises productivity, Jesus gently reminds us...

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.    Hope Wesleyan Church  505 4th Ave NE  Independence, IA 50644  319-334-7148 

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.    Hope Wesleyan Church  505 4th Ave NE  Independence, IA 50644  319-334-7148